Fastener Identification

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 12 Jul 2008, 17:52

I would be grateful if anyone has any experience of this strange (to me) nut and whether standard tools will grip it or if I need to buy a tool, what do I ask/look for exactly?

I'm tempted to jam on a deep socket but I don't want to round it off or damage my socket so I then thought of using a pair of mole grips or similar but there's not enough swinging room for those.

Any advice gratefully received.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 12 Jul 2008, 18:29

Looks like a Torx socket is what you need.

There are a few variants of torx sockets and keys according to purpose. Some have a fine pattern with a large count of tooths others have a more course pattern. Looks like the latter is the one.

Unfortunately a standard socket will have a 6 or 12 edge pattern, while the Torx usually have an 8 edge pattern. So it might not be do-able with a standard socket.

But if you dont try, you will never win ... 8)

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 12 Jul 2008, 18:36

Looks like a multi sided nut so a normal spanner could work, some cars use the same type for big end nuts.

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 12 Jul 2008, 18:58

I've seen these on turbo's and manifolds as a deterrent anti tamper
fastening; of course there's every chance you can buy just the tool
for the job which kind of defeats the objective in the first place.

I'm sure no conventional fastening socket/wrench will be safe to use any
kind of torque with and jamming a socket on may make removal a whole
lot worse than it currently looks.

Andrew

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 13 Jul 2008, 01:17

Thank you kindly for your suggestions gentlemen

I should have mentioned there are no sharp teeth on it like a torx and the relief is quite shallow not to mention the small size considering the force I'll have to use to break the corrosion. I'll see if I can source a socket Monday, as you say, I have to try something.

Yes, it's on the turbo, the only one of three bolts that have this nut and it's the bolt that fixes a support brace to the block

which is the only reason I want it off.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 13 Jul 2008, 10:46

i have managed to undo this type of nut with a multi point socket out of desparation in the past,

they are called TORX as allready mentioned

regards malcolm

dnsey · Unread post by **dnsey** » 13 Jul 2008, 12:04

Best thing is to take a 'rubbing' of the profile on a bit of paper to a decent tool supplier. Whatever it is, one socket won't cost a fortune (famous last words...)

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 13 Jul 2008, 15:54

With all respect, doesn't a Torx only have six points?
I think, because of the 12 points (teeth?), it's something I've never heard of before - a Triple Square or ZXN.

See the silhouettes here for examples.

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 13 Jul 2008, 21:39

I recently came across these nuts on the exhaust manifold of the CT Turbo estate Jim and I broke for parts.

I've just checked for fit on a few that I saved and found that a good quality (ie Facom is a closer fit than Halfords Professional) 10mm 12 point socket/ring spanner or a Torx 16 socket fits equally as well.

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 13 Jul 2008, 21:59

12 point should be a normal socket or ring spanner, the same type of nuts are used on many exhaust manifolds/turbochargers, Rover's use the same design nut but in 10mm format and they come undone fine.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 14 Jul 2008, 19:40

As expected, no tool sellers have heard of Triple-Square and none of them stock torx sockets either.

I'll try other tools as suggested. Thanks lads.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 15 Jul 2008, 08:34

all the motor factors i use sell TORX SOCKETS internal and external

try this link, or just do a google search for TORX SOCKETS, this is the first result i found

http://www.toolspot.co.uk/product/7pc-3 ... le-blister

regards malcolm

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 15 Jul 2008, 08:49

PS.

the fine type are called splin drive sockets or keys and the coures ones are TORX, both types have been around for quite a few years now

regards malcolm

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 15 Jul 2008, 13:46

Cheers Malcolm, I'll go with the above suggested tools which I currently own first, otherwise I'll have to buy the spline sockets - which I can order locally, it's just they didn't have any in stock - though that online link is a good price for the set.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 19 Jul 2008, 12:09

Well you live and learn, eh?

As advised, a 10mm ring spanner fitted nicely so I don't see how it's got the reputation of being an anti-tamper nut